Shoulder pain and injuries are a common complaint, which rapidly impact on our activities of daily living.
What are we talking about when referring to the shoulder complex?
The SHOULDER COMPLEX is a combination of the Glenohumeral (GH), Acromioclavicular (AC) joint and the supporting rotator cuff muscles (supraspinatus, subscapularis, infraspinatus & teres minor). The shoulder complex has very little bony contact and relies heavily on muscular support to ensure adequate movement and stability.
This delicate balance between skeletal & muscular systems makes the shoulder complex susceptible to dysfunction. Common complaints related to shoulder dysfunction include:
- Lost range of movement
- Loss of grip strength
- Cervical & Thoracic pain
- Pins & Needles into forearm and wrist
- Rotator cuff strain/sprain injury
If left untreated it can develop into:
- Bursitis
- Frozen Shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
So what can you do?
As always get it looked at the sooner the better. Chiropractors examine range of movement, muscular function, stability and the overloading factors causing the dysfunction. Adjustments and soft tissue work help return the structures to function. Rehab is also very important to support full return to function.
